Media urged to be neutral in their reportage on election 2016

The Inspector General of Police John Kudalor has warned the media not to create fear and panic before, during and after the 2016 general elections.

“You are required to put the interest of the nation first in your reportage of the elections. Your expertise and professionalism would be called into action to avoid churning out media products that would cause public disorder,” the IGP said during an interaction with journalists in Accra on Thursday.

According to him the media plays a key role in the delivery of an incident free elections. He also pleaded with journalist not to report stories that can cause or inflame passions and stir controversy among the public.

“I don’t believe any media house would do anything that would spark a confrontation in this country, the media’s role would be crucial in ensuring that the election are conducted fairly and peacefully thus the media should position themselves as neutral arbiters, and avoid hate and violence in publication and broadcasting.”

The IGP also announced the service is mobilising personnel to send to identified flashpoints ahead of the November general elections.

John Kudalor noted that training programmes for police personnel have also begun to equip them adequately for the task ahead to ensure peaceful and incident-free elections.

Finally the IGP advised journalist not allow themselves to be used by politicians. Ghanaians will be electing parliamentarians and a present in November.